Volunteer Testimonies​

Written by Samaritan House Volunteers

"Here is the vision I had for Samaritan House: We receive the Body of Christ in Holy Communion; we worship the Body of Christ in the tabernacle; we serve the Body of Christ in the dying under our care.The person in that bed is Jesus for us! Thank you for recognizing Jesus in every resident at Samaritan House." ~ Mike Sullivan, Founder

"My mom spend the last eleven weeks of her life at the Samaritan House. I had heard many good things about this place but was still anxious about how it would all work out. From day one, however, she was under the care of an amazing group of professionals and volunteers. Everyone was there for one purpose, to help Mom through her ordeal. They seemed to know when to step in and when to step back to give Mom and family the private time we needed. I can't say more about how fitting a place the Samaritan House was for Mom and to thank all those who were involved." ~ David Driskell

"It is never easy to make decisions when a doctor recommends that a loved one consider receiving hospice services. a family's natural inclination is to stall and deny and continue to care for him or her at home. At some point exhaustion sets in and it becomes clear that help is necessary.

Our family got to that point and made a call to the Samaritan House, and we are so glad we did. The facility became a home away from home for the entire family. The volunteers were loving and kind and offered exemplary care. And most important, our mother accepted the loving care she received. Regular visits from hospice professionals continued, with care from many excellent volunteers. along with care from the family. It was really the best scenario during a very emotional time. Our family will always appreciate the loving care our Mom received from the Samaritan House. ~ Family of Marie Stager

​"I cannot express enough my gratitude for all they did for my Dad, a stranger in need to them. My Dad was treated with kindness and love from all the volunteers. They bathed, shaved, changed him numerous times, and cared for him unconditionally. My children were able to be with him and talk to him during his last week.

My Dad passed knowing how much he was loved by his family and total strangers. He died with dignity. He died knowing his life mattered. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Samaritan House, and to all the volunteers for caring so graciously for my Dad. All of this has provided great comfort for me this past year!" ~ Lori Ranck

​"Thank you so much for caring and comforting my Dad during his final days. I am grateful for the peaceful end to his life that you provided.

All of you are very special people, giving of your time, hearts and compassion. You will always hold a special place in my heart. You are truly "Angels Amongst Us". A poem I would like to share:

​Dedicated Hearts

Dedicated hearts like yoursAre not easy to find.It takes a special person to beso generous and kind.

To care so much for your fellow manIs a quality all to rare. You give of your time and talentsFor all in need to share.

So thank you for being a volunteer,I'm privileged to know you.I want you to know how appreciated you are not just today, but the whole year through.

"Every memory of Dad is accompanied by true thankfulness that he was able to spend his last days in the community he loved and that wonderful volunteers were able to help my Mom. I cannot express the peace of mind that you brought to my family." ~ A Daughter

"The amazing people at the Samaritan House told Grandma and the family how much they came to love her. She was so grateful for them for their loving and gentle care. She would smile any time they did anything for her. They also witnessed Grandpa's life-long and unconditional devotion to her." ~ A Grand-daughter

"When I talk to people about volunteering for Samaritan House I often hear people say they are afraid to volunteer. They’re afraid to be around death or illness or the accompanying emotions. I absolutely understand that fear. Most people do fear death and dying. I think that’s a very natural fear. Most people have not had a positive experience with death. At Samaritan House we have an opportunity to help people have a positive experience with death and dying. We have an opportunity to encourage people who are experiencing this process, sometimes simply by being there. We have an opportunity to help families get through the process, the fear, the alone-ness. The families and guests are so appreciative of this. Of having someone there with them. Of not having to go through it alone. It’s truly been a blessing and a joy to be part of this mission. I pray that others will come and join in this wonderful ministry." - Patty

"When I began volunteering at Samaritan House I felt it was a way to give back to the community and since I was recently retired, I had the time. In addition, I had been a nurse for many years and felt comfortable in caring for hospice patients. Little did I know I would need these same services to care for my spouse during his end of life journey. The kindness, love and caring the volunteers showed my husband and I cannot be explained in a few words. They became my partners, my family and my counselors. I listened to their stories of loss and their need to talk about loved ones no longer on Earth. I shared the story of my life with my husband and daughters knowing death was an eminent and final part of our story. I was embraced by each of them in many different ways. I continue to volunteer at SH. It gives my life meaning and hopefully some peace to our guest and their family". – Donna

"Volunteering at Samaritan House has been a very positive experience which I'd encourage others to explore. The people involved teach one to be humble and respectful of human life. It enables feeling the spirit of Christianity." – Gale

​"As a volunteer, I have learned the power of being quietly present for our Samaritan House guests. It is such an easy gift to offer!" – Jackie ​

​"As a retired RN, I have time as well as a desire to do something useful and worthwhile with that experience. I count it a privilege and a blessing to be able to make a difference to one who is passing, to help them be comfortable and pain-free as much as possible, and to support the person’s family. I think of the saying, “Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.” We all hope that when our own time comes, there will be somebody there to care and make our passing peaceful." -Trisha

​"As an RN and friend of Karen, I was a periodic recipient of her e-mails to 'join the Samaritan House team'. I finally agreed to 'get on board' in spring of 2008, but then, before I'd even had my orientation, my 90 year-old father fell in his Allentown apartment, shattering his hip. Within two months, after a hip replacement, another fall, different broken bones, MRSA, incipient kidney failure, newly diagnosed CHF, etc., he decided to enter hospice, and was accepted by the Samaritan House hospice team. I drove him up from a Lehigh Valley hospital directly to Samaritan House on Tuesday morning, and he died that Friday evening, with my wife and me at his bedside. ​Samaritan House provides a wonderful option to Tioga County families, whether they can't manage home care for a loved one due to children, work, or just plain inability... My volunteer experiences there since my father's passing have been wonderful opportunities to give back to our community, to meet new folks, and to 'share the care' for those no longer able to live independently as they near their end. I feel truly enriched by the opportunity to volunteer at this community resource!" - Bryn

​"Remember that when you leave this earth,you can take nothing that you received ~only what you have been given;a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage." - St. Francis of Assisi

Our MissionWe believe that, as a Christian community, we are called by Christ to imitate the charity of the Good Samaritan.We welcome the dying in aspiritually-supportive and caring environment. We provide physical, emotional and social care to our guests during their end-of -life experience.samaritan.house.3@gmail.com